The Unbidden Truth

A Barbara Holloway Novel

By: Kate Wilhelm

Narrated by: Anna Fields

Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

When Louise Braniff hands Barbara Holloway a large retainer and asks for complete anonymity, the Oregon attorney is both intrigued and suspicious. The woman, a respected music professor, is a member of a group that sponsors worthy causes involving women. And they want Barbara to defend Carol Fredricks, a gifted young pianist who stands accused of murdering the manager of a piano bar.

Not long ago Barbara heard Carol play, and that is enough to convince her to take the case. But now the questions are coming faster than the answers. Carol's straightforward version of what happened the night Joe Wenzel was murdered clashes with the incriminating evidence against her. And how can Barbara explain the oddly incomplete picture she gets of the young woman herself?

Carol can't remember a huge part of her past, only the new life that began when she woke up in a hospital at the age of eight to learn that her parents were dead. She has no memory of learning to play the piano and is having haunting nightmares about a woman named Carolyn Frye.

Soon Barbara is convinced that her client is not only innocent but that she is being framed by ruthless foes who will stop at nothing to keep the past buried. However, proving the case and keeping her client safe will require every drop of Barbara's notoriously fierce determination to get at the truth. And as she unravels the stunning trail of deception, hatred, and remarkably deep abiding love that holds the key to the mystery of Carol Fredricks, Barbara discovers that the unbidden truth may just damn them both.

It's legal: download more of Barbara Holloway's cases.

©2004 Kate Wilhelm (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"As always, genre veteran Wilhelm creates a thought-provoking, complex plot that will keep readers interested and make them think about ethical issues." (Booklist)

Spectacular Wilhelm

Kate Wilhelm is one spectacular mystery writer. Holds your attention from beginning to the end.

"Thing 1 and Thing 2"

What made the experience of listening to The Unbidden Truth the most enjoyable?

Ms Fields uses one of her very best voices for the "Herbert and Detective last scene characters" See Susan E. Phillips, It Had To Be You, Dan character. She did not use this accent often, but it was her best.

What other book might you compare The Unbidden Truth to and why?

Like a few of this author's works, there are several stories being unveiled so you must have patients as these are not fast pace adventures, but unfolding bits of information that give you the "ah ha". When you finish a story, you immediately want to start another in this series that A.F reads to see how and what the characters contribute in the next adventure.

Which scene was your favorite?

All scenes with cats and dogs were sweet. Herbert's cooking tips, will have to try duck when making chili.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

yes, when the exchange of a story was told in the last couple of chapters.

My emotions were stirred

My tears flowed with chapter 12 and again at the end. It's been a long time since a book has affected me.

Great story

Another great book by this author. I’ve listened to other books by this narrator and she is really awesome but I do have trouble with her trying to change her voice to play the mens roles. Somehow takes away from the book.

Exceptionally Narrated!

The Narration was exceptionally executed and carried the storyline well. She is one of the best narrators I have ever had the privilege of listening too!!

Slight disappointment

I really liked the story, it was one of the most interesting in the series.

I was disappointed with the ending, it was too abrupt. It’s almost like the final chapter is missing.

Great author with super stories!

I have just discovered Kate Wilhelm! And what a discovery!! I love her characters and the stories. I have listened to two books and plan to listen to all in my Audible list. The narrator is extremely good. I could listen to her all day.

Barbara Holloway Series

As alway Kate Wilhelm welded her pen to write a story that sparks your interest and keeps it throughout the store. You don’t know the ending for sure until it arrives!
The narrator Anna Field is by far the best narrator I have had the pleasure of listening to! So versatile it is in believable! Thank Anna Fields for bring Kate Wilhelm’s books to life!

Great series

This series is great. The narrator is awesome. I can't wait to continue the series

Wonderful listen

I really enjoyed the Unbidden Truth, as well as the other Barbara Holloway mysteries. It is well written with believable, likeable characters and expertly narrated.